The lead prosecutor in former FBI director James Comey’s criminal case has been removed, according to a court filing, with no explanation given for the change.

The Justice Department replaced Matthew Petracca with assistant U.S. attorney Timothy Severo as the case continues in North Carolina.

Comey was indicted in April 2026 over a social media post featuring seashells arranged as “86 47,” which prosecutors claim constituted a threat against President Donald Trump.

He has denied the charges, maintaining his innocence and arguing the case is politically motivated, with his trial scheduled for October 21, The Guardian has reported.

The case follows previous failed efforts to prosecute Comey and has drawn broader concerns about politically driven actions within the Justice Department.